The collaboration between Rolex and titanium shines at Watches & Wonders 2023. The new Yacht-Master 42 is designed for those who wish to combine Rolex quality with lightness in an all-titanium case and bracelet.
In the world of watches, the words Rolex and titanium are hardly seen. The use of titanium in Rolex models began with the helium escape valve of the Sea-Dweller model. In subsequent years, we also saw titanium on the back of the Deepsea Sea-Dweller. Water-resistant to 11.000 meters, the Deepsea Challenge model launched last year was the brand’s first all-titanium watch. With the Yacht-Master 42, we witness the beginning of a new era of titanium watches in the Rolex collection.
When you hold the Yacht-Master 42 Titanium watch in your hand, the first detail you notice is its lightness. The heavy and tough feeling of Rolex watches we are familiar with is replaced by the lightness and calmness of flying in the clouds on YM42. Yes, we’ve tried titanium watches hundreds of times before, but it’s definitely different with a Rolex.
As the name suggests, the Yacht-Master 42 is a Discount watch with a diameter of 42 mm. While this size is considered more like a standard men’s watch size in the watchmaking industry, when it comes to Rolex, the measurements may differ from what they appear on paper. When the length of the distance between the two lugs of the YM42 is added to this equation, we encounter a bold presence on the wrist.
This alloy is called RLX Titanium by Rolex and Grade 5 Titanium in the industry. The metal, which is lighter and stronger than stainless steel, has also attracted attention for its biocompatibility.
As we are accustomed to from Deepsea Challenges made of solid titanium, many of the Yacht-Master 42’s surfaces stand out in brushed form. The folds of the bracelet clasp and the smooth finish of the crown protector add balanced contrast to the watch. The rich brushed surface further enhances the sporty character of the watch. The bezel, made of matt textured black ceramic, also exhibits the typical Yacht-Master look. The bi-directional rotating bezel can be used for quick intermediate time measurements.
The large indexes and hands on the matte black dial feature blue Chromalight phosphor material for excellent readability in dark environments. The date window at 3 o’clock and the Cyclops on it stand in front of us as Rolex classics. Models with sapphire crystals feature a Triplock screw-down crown and are water-resistant to 100 meters. Wholesale watch
The Yacht-Master 42, like the other three-hand and calendar models, is powered by the automatic Caliber 3235 movement. The automatic movement runs at 4Hz (28800vph) and offers a 70-hour power reserve. Rolex guarantees the accuracy of this movement to ±2 seconds per day.
The bracelet, made of titanium like the watch case, guarantees maximum comfort and durability in its “Oyster” form. The clap has a short Oysterlock and an Easylink mechanism that provides an extra 5mm. Here, I think the Glidelock clasp is a better choice for finer adjustments.
We can celebrate the addition of the 42mm Titanium Yacht-Master to the range of wearable Rolex models. Thanks to RLX Titanium, the presence, colour, texture and many other details take the traditional Rolex perception to a whole different point. I hope we will encounter this alloy in other car models in the next few years.
Well, how about a titanium cheap Rolex with an Oysterflex strap?